ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1934, Page 6

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

STRATFORD CLUB’S REPORT. TEAM HAS MUCH SUCCESS. A successful past season from a playing and financial point of view is shown in the report of the Stratford Association Football Club to be placed before the annual meeting to-morrow night The season ended with a credit balance of 17s 3d. The clubs was revived at the commencement of last season, states the report, Messrs. R. Trueman and D. A. Benjamin acting as conveners, and the season’s results proved that their trust was not misplaced. There were 20 regular playing members and one honorary, and others would have joined if they could have been assured a game. Owing to the short time intervening between the annual general meeting and the commencement of Saturday matches only a scratch practice match could be held. In the Julian Cup, a one-round contest, Stratford was defeated in the final by Albion in a very good game appreciated by the spectators and played on the’Regan Street ground, Stratford. The next competition was for the Duff Rose Bowl (two rounds) and the Stratford team was leading with two games to play when on September 9 Stratford was unable to field a team against Caledonians due to the fact that the majority of the players could not obtain leave from their farms.

While the Taranaki representative team was away a North Taranaki v. South Taranaki match was staged at Victoria Park, Stratford, the following members of the local club having a place in the South Taranaki team: E. Linnell, W. Barron, T. Blythe, R. Pattenden, K. Elgar, C. Henderson and E. Butt. South Taranaki was victorious, but a Stratford man, W. Barron, was laid up with an injury for the remainder of the season. Mr. W. A. Brown, club coach, was regularly in attendance at practice times and members benefited considerably from his advice. He specially catered for the keen but inexperienced player. During the season L. Henderson, who played consistently well in different positions, was selected for the Taranaki representative team against - Manawatu at Palmerston North. He was also included in the Taranaki team v. Manawatu at New Plymouth but was not available. H. Millar played in the Taranaki team against Manawatu at New Plymouth. L. Jones played for Taranaki against Manawatu at Palmerston North and T. Blythe played against Manawatu at New Plymouth.

Owing to transfer the club lost the services of A. Rorison, a very, steady player. The cricket club joined in giving a farewell and presentation to L. B. Sandford, a member of) the committee. He was an enthusiastic beginner and most popular in the club. Mr. T. Pugh, the auditor, was also transferred, but Mr. R. Vincent acted in that capacity. Mr. R. Trueman will be unable to act as secretary for the coming season. While the committee is proud of the club’s rapid revival and progress and the fact that the season ended showing a credit balance as well as a material increase in the club’s assets, yet it is not forgotten that the main objects of the club are the playing of the game for the game’s sake and the furtherance of the code.

The balance-sheet shows receipts totalling £8 0s 4d. Expenditure totalled £7 3s Id. Assets are a pair of goal posts, flags, two balls and a set of jerseys, and liabilities are nil.